Abstract: A caramel is provided comprising a solid plant fat and an amount of water less than 10 wt %. The caramel exhibits a chewy texture when consumed but is yet depositable. The caramel is thus advantageously used in a confection. In addition to the caramel, the confection may comprise a crisp component. Methods of making the confection are also provided.

Abstract: Processes for the production of a meat analogue, comprising: a) introducing a meat batter which comprises protein into a first heating unit and heating the meat batter to a temperature above the denaturation temperature of the protein in the meat batter, but below the melting point of the protein to produce a first heat-treated product, and b) transferring the first heat-treated product to a second heating unit and heating the first heat-treated product to a temperature above the melting temperature of the protein to produce a second heat-treated product, c) cooling the second heat-treated product by moving through a cooling unit, so that the second heat-treated product has a temperature below water boiling temperature at ambient pressure when exiting the cooling unit, and d) dividing the cooled second heat-treated product into pieces; as well as an apparatus for the production of a meat analogue.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods of determining a feline's susceptibility to developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to methods of preventing and/or reducing a risk of developing CKD for a feline. In certain embodiments, the biomarkers comprise creatinine, urine specific gravity or urea.

Abstract: Processes for the production of a meat analogue include: a) preparing a meat batter comprising protein by mixing water, raw material of meat and/or meat by-product, and optionally further ingredients, in a mixer, b) conveying the meat batter obtained in step a) by means of a first positive displacement pump to a single heating unit comprising a single scraped surface heat exchanger, c) heating the meat batter in the single heating unit to a temperature above the melting temperature of the protein to produce a heat-treated product, d) transferring the heat-treated product of step c) to a cooling unit by means of a second positive displacement pump, e) cooling the heat-treated product by moving through the cooling unit, so that the heat-treated product reaches a temperature below water boiling temperature at ambient pressure when exiting the cooling unit, and f) dividing the cooled heat-treated product into pieces.

Abstract: Approaches, techniques, and mechanisms are disclosed for provisioning wireless device profiles of a wireless computing device. In this context, a wireless device profile generally may comprise one or more network and device settings including network identifiers, network security types, network keys, and other configuration information that enables a computing device to connect to a particular wireless computer network. According one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises establishing, with a first device, a first wireless connection of a first wireless connection type; receiving, from the first device via the first wireless connection, provisioning data for establishing, with a second device, a second wireless connection of a second wireless connection type that is different than the first wireless connection type; establishing, based on the provisioning data, the second wireless connection with the second device.

Abstract: An edible animal chew comprising: a partially hydrolysed collagen; and/or an alkyl succinate modified starch, wherein the edible animal chew has a tensile toughness greater than 200 PMa.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining timing of parturition onset in non-human animals are provided. Specifically, a software application platform which provides a user with the ability to receive customized information relating to an animal's estimated parturition onset as displayed on a user interface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to coextruded pet food compositions and/or to methods for producing the same. The disclosure provides, for example, a method for producing a pet food, comprising: (i) extruding a first composition from a first extruder through a die at a first rate of exit from the die; and (ii) extruding a second composition from a second extruder through the die at a second rate of exit from the die, wherein the first rate of exit from the die is higher than the second rate of exit from the die, to produce a coextruded pet food that comprises about 30% to about 50%, by weight, of the first composition and about 50% to about 70%, by weight, of the second composition. Moreover, the coextruded pet food compositions of the present disclosure may include, for example, at least about 3% cheese and/or at least about 5% bacon.

Abstract: Processes for the production of a meat analogue, comprising: a) introducing a meat batter which comprises protein into a first heating unit and heating the meat batter to a temperature above the denaturation temperature of the protein in the meat batter, but below the melting point of the protein to produce a first heat-treated product, and b) transferring the first heat-treated product to a second heating unit and heating the first heat-treated product to a temperature above the melting temperature of the protein to produce a second heat-treated product, c) cooling the second heat-treated product by moving through a cooling unit, so that the second heat-treated product has a temperature below water boiling temperature at ambient pressure when exiting the cooling unit, and d) dividing the cooled second heat-treated product into pieces; as well as an apparatus for the production of a meat analogue.

Abstract: A model for predicting the net energy available to a companion animal from a pet food is provided. The model can be used to determine the appropriate amount of a food to feed a companion animal, and/or to provide feeding guidelines for any type of food, for any companion animal, and such methods are provided. Also provided are methods of packaging food for a companion animal, animal, and methods of maintaining a desired weight, or effecting weight loss, in a companion animal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dispenser (10), such as a confectionery dispenser, for dispensing product objects such as pieces of confectionery (40). The dispenser (10) comprises a container (12) for storing product objects; and at least one dispensing arrangement (14, 16). The dispensing arrangement (14), (16) comprises an opening (18) provided in the container (12); a collection region (26) located within the container (12) and adjacent to the opening (18); a guide (32) disposed within the container (12) and adjacent to the collection region (26); and a dispensing tray (29) disposed within the container (12) and adjacent to the opening (18). The dispensing arrangement (14), (16) is configured the opening (18) and having a dispensing surface 30 accessible through such that in use in a loading orientation of the dispensing arrangement (14), (16) product objects collect in the collection region (26).

Abstract: A method for packaging products, such as candies, wherein the products are positioned on a first sheet which is continuously moved in a transport direction, wherein the products are covered by a second sheet which is continuously moved in the same transport direction and which is aligned substantially plane-parallel to the first sheet, and wherein the first and second sheets are sealed together near the outer edges of the individual products or grouped products by a sealing device, wherein the sealing device comprises sealing ribs extending substantially transversely to the transport direction on one side of the moving sheets, wherein said sealing ribs are being moved at the same speed as the sheets and the sealing ribs seal the first and second sheets together in between the moving products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of determining the levels of 3-methylhistidine before and after a meal in a companion animal, wherein the meal is a pet foodstuff having a particular protein to fat ratio, which is useful in decreasing the levels of 3-methydlhistidine post-prandially and having the beneficial effects as described herein. The pet foodstuff comprises a ratio of protein to fat of 1:0.27 to 1:0.63 on a gram:gram as fed or dry matter basis. The pet foodstuff described is fed to a companion animal for use in reducing and/or preventing sarcopenia. The present invention also relates to methods of feeding the pet foodstuff described and/or dietary regimes to provide the companion animal with the benefit of reducing and/or preventing sarcopenia.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaged product or group of products, such as a candy, wherein said product or group of products has an elongated form, wherein the package comprises at least one film which encloses said product or group of products, and wherein part of said film extends from at least one outer end of the product or group of products, and wherein said part of the film is bent away from the direction of the axis of the elongated product or group of products back towards a part of the film that surrounds the product and is bonded therewith. The invention also relates to an easy opening arrangement for packaged products, and to an array or bandoleer of products with reduced packaging material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for sampling internal substance(s) in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal composed of at least one wall which is partially expandable. The invention also relates to a method of orally administering the device to an animal and recovering the device from the stool to carry out analysis on the collected sample for diagnosing the health of the gastrointestinal tract and determining nutrient absorption and digestibility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foodstuff comprising feather hydrolysate for use in improving performance during exercise and/or improving recovery after exercise in a dog. It also relates to a method of improving the performance in a dog during exercise and/or improving recovery after exercise, the method comprising administering to a dog a foodstuff which comprises feather hydrolysate.